e) If a vacuum is not possible, make a manifold so that refrigerant can be removed from
various parts of the system.
mechanical handling equipment is available, if required, for handling refrigerant cylinders;
all personal protective equipment is available and being used correctly;
the recovery process is supervised at all times by a competent person;
recovery equipment and cylinders conform to the appropriate standards.
Decommissionin
Charging procedures
g
a) Become familiar with the equipment and its operation.
b) Isolate system electrically.
c) Before attempting the procedure, ensure that:
Before carrying out this procedure, it is essential that the technician is completely
The refrigerant charge shall be recovered into the correct recovery cylinders.
For appliances containing flammable refrigerants, the system shall be “flushed” with
OFN to render the unit safe. This process may need to be repeated several times.
Compressed air or oxygen shall not be used for purging refrigerant systems.
Ensure that the outlet for the vacuum pump is not close to any ignition sources and that
ventilation is available.
In addition to conventional charging procedures, the following requirements shall be followed.
Prior to recharging the system, it shall be pressure-tested with the appropriate purging gas.
The system shall be leak-tested on completion of charging but prior to commissioning.
A follow up leak test shall be carried out prior to leaving the site.
– Ensure that contamination of different refrigerants does not occur when using charging
equipment. Hoses or lines shall be as short as possible to minimise the amount of
refrigerant contained in them.
– Cylinders shall be kept upright.
– Ensure that the refrigeration system is earthed prior to charging the system with refrigerant.
– Label the system when charging is complete (if not already).
– Extreme care shall be taken not to overfill the refrigeration system.
For appliances containing flammable refrigerants, flushing shall be achieved by
breaking the vacuum in the system with OFN and continuing to fill until the working
pressure is achieved, then venting to atmosphere, and finally pulling down to a vacuum.
This process shall be repeated until no refrigerant is within the system.
When the final OFN charge is used, the system shall be vented down to atmospheric
pressure to enable work to take place. This operation is absolutely vital if brazing operations
on the pipe-work are to take place.
familiar with the equipment and all its detail. It is recommended good practice that all
refrigerants are recovered safely. Prior to the task being carried out, an oil and refrigerant
sample shall be taken in case analysis is required prior to re-use of reclaimed refrigerant.
It is essential that electrical power is available before the task is commenced.
d) Pump down refrigerant system, if possible.
Specialist’s Manual
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